Blue Dream Shrimp Care Guide
Neocaridina davidi var. Blue Dream · Freshwater Invert
What Blue Dream Shrimp look like
Neocaridina davidi var. Blue Dream exhibits a diminutive, laterally compressed body typical of the Atyidae family, reaching a maximum adult size of approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm). The shrimp's most striking feature is its deep sapphire blue coloration, which is uniform and opaque in high-grade specimens, devoid of any transparent areas. This vibrant hue extends across the entire body, including the legs and rostrum, contributing to its aesthetic appeal. Sexual dimorphism is subtle, with females generally being slightly larger and possessing a broader abdomen, especially when carrying eggs. Defensive adaptations include the ability to blend into aquatic vegetation due to their coloration, as well as a rapid escape response facilitated by their well-developed pleopods. The species lacks significant morphological features such as spines or aggressive dentition, relying instead on its coloration for camouflage and evasion.
Behavior & temperament
Blue Dream Shrimp are primarily social creatures, often found in small groups within their natural habitat, which promotes a hierarchical structure based on size and dominance. They dwell in the benthic zone of freshwater environments, where they forage among substrate and aquatic plants. Their breeding behavior is characterized as an egg scatterer, with females carrying fertilized eggs under their pleopods until they hatch into free-swimming larvae. In terms of temperament, these shrimp are generally peaceful and exhibit minimal aggression, making them suitable for community tanks with other non-aggressive species.
Diet & feeding
In the wild, Blue Dream Shrimp are omnivorous, feeding on algae, detritus, and biofilm, which they graze from surfaces. In captivity, they require a varied diet that includes high-quality algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and specialized shrimp pellets to ensure optimal health and coloration.
Behind the name
Neocaridina (new meat; derived from Greek 'neo' meaning new and 'caridina' meaning shrimp) davidi (named in honor of the naturalist David).
Plan your tank
Check the numbers before you buy: tank volume, a stocking plan, cycle progress, water changes, and your ongoing care routine.
Keeping Blue Dream Shrimp?
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